LAS VEGAS — A Texas man has been sentenced to 100 years in prison for his role in a harrowing two-state shooting spree on Thanksgiving 2020 that left one man dead in Nevada, injured several others, and ended with a dramatic gunfight with law enforcement in Arizona.
Christopher McDonnell, 32, of Tyler, Texas, pleaded guilty in October to over 20 charges, including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, multiple weapons violations, and illegal firearm possession. Clark County District Judge Tierra Jones handed down the sentence on Friday, ensuring that McDonnell will not be eligible for parole until the year 2120.
McDonnell, his brother Shawn McDonnell, 34, and Shawn’s then-wife, Kayleigh Lewis, 29, were accused of carrying out an 11-hour crime spree on November 26, 2020, which police and prosecutors described as a chaotic series of random and senseless acts of violence.
Tragedy in Henderson, Nevada
The spree began in Henderson, a suburb near Las Vegas, where the group targeted unsuspecting victims at a convenience store. Among the victims was 22-year-old Kevin Mendiola Jr., who was fatally shot during the assault. The trio also fired indiscriminately at others, wounding several bystanders in a drive-by shooting before fleeing the scene.
Authorities allege that Lewis was the getaway driver while the McDonnell brothers leaned out of the car windows to fire at random targets. The group left a trail of terror in Nevada before crossing state lines into Arizona.
Pursuit and Gunfight in Arizona
In Arizona, the violence continued as the suspects reportedly opened fire on multiple vehicles and even exchanged gunfire with law enforcement officers. The spree came to a dramatic end near Parker, Arizona, when their vehicle, identified by its Texas license plates, overturned during a high-speed pursuit.
Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers armed with assault-style rifles engaged in a gunfight with the suspects, resulting in Shawn McDonnell being wounded before all three were apprehended.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Christopher McDonnell’s guilty plea in October was seen as a step toward justice for the victims and their families. The comprehensive list of charges reflected the gravity of his crimes, which included both the fatal shooting of Mendiola and the attempted murders of multiple other individuals.
At Friday’s sentencing, Judge Tierra Jones emphasized the severe consequences of McDonnell’s actions, stating that the 100-year sentence ensures he will not pose a threat to society for the remainder of his life.
Prosecutors described McDonnell as the ringleader of the violent spree, highlighting his callous disregard for human life. McDonnell’s parole eligibility in 2120, pending time served, underscores the severity of the punishment.
Co-Defendants Await Trial
Meanwhile, Shawn McDonnell and Kayleigh Lewis are awaiting their trials. Prosecutors allege that while Christopher McDonnell played a central role, his brother Shawn was also heavily involved in the shootings. Lewis, who reportedly drove the car during the spree, faces charges for her alleged complicity.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson praised the sentence as a victory for justice, stating, “This was a heinous series of crimes that caused untold pain and suffering to innocent victims and their families. We hope today’s sentencing provides some measure of closure.”
A Community Reeling
The events of Thanksgiving 2020 left deep scars in the affected communities of Henderson and Parker. Mendiola’s family expressed relief that Christopher McDonnell will never walk free again but lamented the loss of their loved one.
“We miss Kevin every single day,” his family said in a statement. “While nothing can bring him back, we are grateful that justice has been served.”
As the trials for Shawn McDonnell and Kayleigh Lewis proceed, victims and their families will continue to seek answers and accountability for the violence that shattered their lives.
